Hotspur HQ

Tottenham Hotspur look set to add to their attack again when the summer transfer window opens in June, and seem to be keeping an eye on the player already as they are aware of some tough competition from plenty of other clubs.

Spurs need a bit of a re-build in a lot of areas if they want to be a more consistent outfit for next season, with it being the middle of March, the Lilywhites sit in a very disappointing 13th position in the table, as well as being out of both domestic cups and have every chance of being knocked out of the Europa League, with them being a goal down going into the second leg of their tie with AZ Alkmaar.

The likes of Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are probably still a bit too young to be the main starter week in week out, captain Heung-Min Son isn't getting any younger, but can still produce moments of brilliance in parts, so he will probably have to take up more of a squad role, and the likes of Timo Werner, (who will be going back to RB Leipzig anyway), Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil (on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively) are straight up not good enough for a club of Tottenham Hotspur's stature.

One player that could sort out a lot of these problems is Bournemouth and Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old played near enough the whole game in Sunday's 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and has seven goals as well as a further four assists in the Premier League this season for the Cherries who are having an exceptional campaign. This is something that could be a negative for Spurs, as Andoni Iraola's side have a huge chance to qualify for Europe next season for the first time in the club's history, something that Semenyo would want to be a part of.

Semenyo is a very versatile attacker that is just as good on both flanks, which is actually quite rare to see in this day and age, he's a quick, powerful ball carrier with a good strike on either foot, something that a part from Son, Spurs lack a little bit. The Ghanaian international would also be a big help to Tottenham's injury crisis, he has played and started all but one of Bournemouth's games in the league this season, the one he missed due to receiving too many yellow cards. That is also considering that Bournemouth are one of the best pressing teams in European football right now, proving he could handle the intensity of an Ange Postecoglou side.

Something else that could make this difficult for Spurs is the fact that Semenyo is a lifelong Arsenal fan, and said that the Emirates Stadium is his favourite away ground to play at. Although it doesn't have as much of a meaning these days whether you grew up supporting the club or not, every player is different and it could be something to consider for the London born winger.

Semenyo's current market value according to transfermarkt is 28 million euros, but as you can imagine the Cherries would want a lot more than that if they are going to let go of one of their key assets this summer.

Overall I think he would be a really good buy for Spurs, they need a refresh with their options in attack and a player like Semenyo who has all the attributes to fit in with the way Spurs want to play. He is always available and reliable, has the eye for goal, and will always work hard on and off the ball, which the Tottenham Hotspur faithful would appreciate it, but of course a lot of it depends on whether Levy will cough up the money or not!

On Tuesday evening, there was a huge game in League Two for George Abbott and his Notts County side, as they faced Grimsby Town on the road. Heading into the game, Notts were in 5th place, with 58 points from 35 games, and their hosts were in 8th place, with 56 points from their 35 games – a real six pointer as the cliche says. Â

Huge night in League Two for Tottenham Hotspur loanee and his side

It was business as usual in terms of the starting XI for the Spurs loanee, making his 29th league start of the season. For this one he was playing as one of two number 8’s in a 3142 system. Former Tottenham Hotspur academy player Nick Tsaroulla was starting at left wing back. Â

After a tense first half, where Grimsby shaded the game, the sides headed into the break goalless, and with everything still to play for. Then, just over ten minutes into the second half, Notts managed to grab the breakthrough through striker Alassana Jatta. Â

Having had an effort blocked a few minutes earlier, Abbott had a chance to score with eight minutes of normal time remaining, after substitute David McGoldrick laid the ball off, but his effort was too tame to get past the goalkeeper.Â

However, it would matter little, as with two minutes of normal time remaining, McGoldrick scored a superb individual goal on the break to make it two goals and three points for Notts. They saw the game out from there to secure a huge win and clean sheet in their push for promotion. Â

Had they lost the game, their hosts would have overtaken them, and their play-off status would have been hanging by a thread. As it is, they are in fourth place, and now just one point off one of the automatic promotion spots. Â

As for the Spurs youngster himself, it was yet another superb display in the middle of the park. Across the 90 minutes, he recorded; 79 touches, two chances created, one shot on target, one shot blocked, 9/13 ground duels won, 2/2 aerial duels won, two fouls drawn, two clearances, one blocked shot, four interceptions and seven tackles. Incredible tenacious performance from such a young player. What a talent. Â

Next up for Notts is a game against Chesterfield this Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off. They will be going into that game full of confidence after such a big, impressive, and much needed three points here. Great night all round. Â

On Sunday afternoon, Spurs welcomed AFC Bournemouth to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for match day 28 of the current Premier League season.

For the task at hand, Ange opted for a line up of; Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert.

How things played out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon

Within the first 15 seconds, Spurs were very nearly behind. A stray pass from Romero only went to Evanilson, whose effort was parried wide by Vicario. More luck than judgment that Spurs weren't already behind.

After four minutes, Sarr did well to break up play in the middle of the park, leaving the ball for Odobert - who after trying to lead a breakaway. was tripped by Marcus Tavernier, leading to a booking for the Bournemouth winger.

Within a few seconds, Bournemouth had another good chance. Romero played the ball into Bissouma, who was heavily pressed, resulting in a turnover and Justin Kluivert having a chance in the box, but he was denied by the leg of Vicario, before the goalkeeper then made a comfortable save to deny Tavernier.

A minute or so later, a superb ball from Spence found Odobert running in behind, with the Frenchman seeing his cross put behind for a corner. Really enjoying the link up between those two down the left hand side.

After 20 minutes, the pitch opened up for Spurs with Bentancur on the ball. The Uruguayan had Johnson making a run in behind the defence, but opted to wait, before going for the safe option to Porro - and still passing it out of play for a throw in. Unbelievable.

On the half hour mark, the midfielder was booked for standing on the foot of Milos Kerkez. He's already suspended for the second leg against AZ Alkmaar, after his booking in the Netherlands on Thursday evening.

Just under five minutes before half time, Bournemouth took the lead. Down the right, Kerkez cut out a stray pass, before carrying the ball 40-50 yards and putting in a sublime cross to the back post, that was met by Tavernier. Good goal to be fair.

With a minute of the first half remaining, a dreadful Bissouma touch took him into a dangerous position, before taking out Kluivert and being booked. The chuckle brothers both with yellow cards in the first half. Spurs would go into the break a goal down.

At half time, Ange made a change - as Son and Bergvall replaced Johnson and Bissouma.

Six minutes into the second half, the visitors could have had two. After Spurs failed to get a shot off at one end, the visitors counteed quickly, and Kluivert converted. However, there was an avoidable offside in the build up. Big let off.

Two minutes later, Son cut inside from the left hand side, with his deflected effort hitting the post and going behind for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Romero's header went straight at Kepa in the Bournemouth goal.

On the hour mark, van de Ven and Maddison replaced Romero and Bentancur. Doesn't look like Romero was injured, just managing his minutes you would assume, particularly with Thursday in mind.

Just two minutes later, great work from Maddison and Son lead to the former cutting inside. When it looked like he was going to shoot, he laid the ball off to Sarr - but he dragged his effort wide of the target. By far Spurs' best move and opportunity of the game.

Within 90 seconds, the visitors had a second. A through ball from Kluivert found Evanilson, whom was being played onside by Spence. Big fan of the defender, but he was also out of position for the first goal. Not his best game.

A minute later, a long ranger from Bergvall smacked the upright. What a goal that would have been, a real shame. However, barely sixty seconds later, Spurs had a goal back. From the right hand side, a Sarr cross was wayward, and inadvertently went past Kepa and in off the post. Soon after, Semenyo was in the book for a foul on the Senegalese midfielder.

With around eighteen minutes later, Kluivert went through on goal - from an angle - with his shot rolling across and hitting the post.

Then, with a little under ten minutes to go, Son was tripped up by Kepa - despite the fact he was not going anywhere. From the spot, the skipper stepped up, and scored - giving Spurs an undeserved equaliser.

There were around three minutes left when the referee booked both Maddison and Hujisen. During that break in play, Udogie replaced Porro in Spurs' final change of the game.

That would be that, after a fizzled out stoppage time. Still not a great result. Onto Thursday evening in a much more important game.

Later on this afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing midweek defeat away to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, when they welcome AFC Bournemouth to North London in the Premier League. The game is set to kick off at 14:00 GMT, and is live on Sky Sports for those in the UK.

How both teams line up for the Premier League showdown this afternoon

For the task at hand, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has opted for a line up of; Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert.

Meanwhile, the bench consists of; Kinsky, Udogie, van de Ven, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Tel, Son, Scarlett.

Ange has made six changes to the side that lost in the Netherlands three days ago, as Porro, Romero, Sarr, Bissouma, Solanke and Odobert replace Udogie, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, and Son.

Great to see Romero back in the side for the first time since the defeat at home to Chelsea in December. Let's hope he is fit to last at least 60-70 minutes. Also encouraging that Solanke's knock on Thursday was nothing serious, and he is back to face his former club.

Got to admit, quite a defensive midfield for a home game? Perhaps it will work for breaking up Bournemouth's play, and allowing Spurs to get space in transition. Let's see.

As for the visitors, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has gone with the following XI; Kepa; Cook, Hill, Hujisen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

The Spurs linked Illias Zabaryni misses the game as a result of serving the final game of his three games suspension, though fellow centre half, and also Spurs linked - Dean Hujisen - starts the game. He scored the winner when thew two sides met at the Vitality Stadium back in December.

Safe to say, this game is very insignificant compared to the second leg against Alkmaar on Thursday evening. However, winning is a good habit, losing is a bad habit, and unfortuantely Spurs have done too much of the latter this season. Although this game may not be overly important, there will be, understandably, a huge outpouring of anger after the game, should Spurs once again fail to win a game.

Ange could certainly do without that. All of the eggs may be in the Europa League basket, but there is no guarantee that Spurs win that. If they don't, well, he will need to be a lot higher up than this in the table, to give himself the best chance possible of keeping his job next season. A trophyless season whilst finishing in the bottom half would be a disaster, regardless of context and circumstances.

Earlier on today, Tottenham Hotspur U18s faced Arsenal U18s in a North London derby in the Premier League 2. At any level, these are still great games to win, and tough games to lose. Â

For the game, Spurs lined up with the following XI; Samual Archer; Malachi Hardy, Elijah Upson, Jun’ai Byfield, Harry Byrne’ Samai Bangura, Tyrese Hall; Miracle Adewole, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson; Ellis Lehane. Â

How things played out during the U18 North London derby on Saturday morning

It would be the disaster start for Spurs, whom conceded after just three minutes of the game. However, ten minutes later, Lehane equalised. Another 10 minutes after that, Williams-Barnett made it 2-1, having been found by Byfield. Then, after 32 minutes, Arsenal equalised, before going 3-2 ahead after 43 minutes. There was still time for a Byfield equaliser just before half-time, completing an absolutely crazy first half, as the sides went into the break at 3-3. Â

Then, on the hour mark, Thompson gave Spurs the lead for a second time on the day, before Hardy made it 5-3 after 76 minutes – the first time either side had been two goals ahead. With eight minutes remaining, Arsenal got one back to make it 5-4, but then had someone sent off a minute into stoppage time.Â

Then, five minutes into stoppage time, Williams-Barnett made sure of all three points, making it 6-4 to Spurs, and making sure the U18 bragging rights stayed on the white side of North London. Â

Coming into the game, there was a three point lead over Arsenal, so even without the extra incentive of it being a North London derby, it was still an important game that fits the cliche “six pointer”. Spurs are now sixth in the table, with 25 points from their 16 games to date. Â

For those that may be interested; Reiss Elliott-Parris replaced Lehane after 49 minutes, Dan Batty and Ronny Moncur replaced Bangura and Hall after 52 minutes, and Luca Furnell-Gill replaced Upson after 80 minutes. Â

Next up for the U18s is a trip to East Anglia to face Norwich City next Saturday, for a 12:00 GMT kick off. If there are readers that would like more updates on the U18s (or other Spurs youth sides) get in touch (you can do so on social media, by clicking the name at the top of the piece, where you will be given links to Instagram/Twitter). Thank you.

In the Championship, there was action for the teams of three Spurs loanees. Ashley Phillips and his Stoke City side made the short trip to face Coventry City, meanwhile there was a Spurs match up at the Hawthorns, with Will Lanskhear’s West Bromwich Albion side hosting Yang Min-hyeok and Queens Park Rangers. Â

How things went in England's second tier for Tottenham Hotspur loanees

To begin, Phillips was once again named in the starting XI by manager Mark Robins, who was heading back to Coventry for the first time since he departed the club after seven and a half years in charge earlier this season. Â

Midway through the first half, the hosts took the lead, and just after the half hour mark, they doubled their lead – enough for a two goal advantage at the break. However, the Potters got a goal back twenty minutes into the second half, to make things tense. Â

Then, with four minutes of the normal time remaining, Stoke equalised, and looked set to take an unlikely point home with them. However, heartbreak would be to come, as seven minutes into stoppage time, the hosts grabbed a dramatic winner, leaving Phillips’ side completely empty handed, as they continue to struggle to pick up points. Â

As for the Spurs loanee himself, that was his 25th appearance (all starts) in the Championship this season – totalling 2182 minutes. Despite a tough collective season, he has managed to get a solid amount of game time this campaign. Â

This defeat leaves Stoke in 20th place in the league, with 36 points from 36 games, just four points above Derby County, whom occupy 22nd – the final relegation spot. Â

Meanwhile, Lanskhear was amongst the substitutes for West Brom, with Min-hyeok starting for QPR. With five minutes of the first half remaining, Lankshear’s side took the lead from the penalty spot. However, in stoppage time – they were reduced to ten men. Â

Despite the man advantage, QPR could not find a goal to equalise, and West Brom came away with all three points. Min-hyeok played for 89 minutes before being replaced, meanwhile Lankshear was an unused sub. Difficult circumstances to bring a striker on today, in fairness – though he has played just 127 minutes for the Baggies so far – which equates to less than a game and a half worth of minutes. Â

This leaves West Brom in sixth place, with 55 points from 36 games, whilst QPR are in 14th place, with 44 points from 36 games. Â

Next up for Stoke is a game against Blackburn Rovers – Phillips’ boyhood club – on Wednesday, for a 20:00 GMT kick off. For West Brom, it is a game away to Burnley on Tuesday, at 19:45 GMT – whilst QPR will face Middlesbrough on the road at the same time. Â

In League One, Tottenham Hotspur loanees Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side were looking to put their recent poor form behind them, when they hosted lowly Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon. Â Â

As always, both Spurs youngsters were named in the starting XI by manager Richie Wellens. This was Keeley’s 26th League Two start of the season, and Donley’s 24th start (29th league game overall).Â

Another tough day for two of Spurs' youngsters in League One

After just 11 minutes of the game, Northampton would take the lead. Then, on the stroke of half time, they doubled their lead – taking a two goal advantage into the break. Â

 It was a poor half from Orient, having three shots to their visitors nine, despite having 67% of the ball. Plenty of stale and pointless possession. Â

After the hour mark, striker Charlie Kelman got a goal back for the U’s. However, it would not be enough for them to get anything, and they were condemned to yet another defeat, with the visitors running out 2-1 winners in East London.Â

This defeat makes it five straight defeats in League One for Wellens’ side, whom have now completely fallen out of the promotion picture. They now sit in ninth place in the league, with 53 points from their 36 games, seven points off the play-off spots, having also played one more game. Â

As for the Spurs loanees themselves – Keeley made four saves during the game, so it could have been worse if not for him. Meanwhile, Donley played 77 minutes, struggling to make any sort of impact on the game. He has now not scored or assisted in five games, and has only done so in one of the last nine league games. A tough run for him, but he will be back – little doubt about that.Â

The 90 minutes for Keeley here has taken him up to 2340 in League One this season, meanwhile Donley’s 77 minutes takes him up to 2077 minutes. Even in the tough times collectively and individually, they are still getting a very good amount of game time for their development. Â

Next up for Orient is a game against Blackpool next Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off. A must win if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive, you would have thought. Let’s see what happens. Â

Meanwhile, Matthew Craig again missed Mansfield Town's game, as they drew 1-1 away to Stevenage.

In League Two, there was a huge game for George Abbott and his Notts County side at lunch time. They were in the capital to face AFC Wimbledon – managed by former Tottenham Hotspur academy player Johnnie Jackson - whom came into the game one place and one point below the Magpies. The game was live on Sky Sports red button, for those in the UK.

Huge game down in League Two for Spurs youngster and his side

As per usual, the Spurs youngster was named in the starting XI by manager Stuart Maynard – for his 28th League Two start of the season, and 30th total game in the league. Â

After a dominant start from the hosts, they made their superiority count after 21 minutes when they took the lead. Then, ten minutes before the end of the first half – they doubled the lead, taking a healthy advantage into the half time interval. Â

That would be how it finished. The 2-0 lead at half-time would eventually become a 2-0 lead at full time. Notts only had seven shots all game, to their opponents 15, despite the game state of chasing the game for 70 minutes – albeit they had the only opta defined big chance of the game. Â

This sums up a pretty miserable time of it for Abbott’s side. That is now just one point from their last three games, and one win in their last six, where they have picked up just five points out of a possible eighteen. At one point, they were looking good to seriously get into one of those automatic promotion spots, but now their play off status is in serious jeopardy.Â

This defeat leaves them in fifth place in League Two, with 58 points from their 35 games so far. Next up is a big game away to Grimsby Town on Tuesday evening. Heading into the game, Grimsby are in eighth place, two points below Notts. Safe to say that Maynard’s side do not have a great record in the big games this season, so there is no better time to try and change the record. 19:45 GMT kick off. Â

As per media publication (yes, yet again) TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur scouts have been "really impressed" by Como 1907 midfielder Nico Paz.

Spurs scouts impressed by young Como and Argentina midfielder

The youngster has impressed with his performances for the newly promoted Serie A side this season since joining from Spanish giants Real Madrid back in the summer transfer window.

In fact, according to the report, the scouts at Spurs were aware of Paz during his time at Madrid Castilla, the sides reserve team. He impressed enough with his performances to get a call up to the first team, and even scored against Napoli in the Champions League last season.

So far this season, the attacking midfielder has scored six goals, provided four assists, and created seven big chances in Serie A - in 25 starts, 21 appearances, and 1900 minutes. Owing to his performances, he received his maiden Argentina call up back in the autumn, making his debut against Bolivia in October - and marking it with an assist to the one and only Lionel Messi.

One thing that may stand in Spurs' favour when it comes to any potential deal, is one of the midfielder's new team mates - with former Tottenham Hotspur fan favourite Dele recently signing for the Italian side - being included in the match day squad for their defeat at AS Roma last weekend. You would hope he may put in a good word.

Nothing against Paz, whom seems to be a very talented player - but it is quite crazy how Spurs rarely seem to be linked to players in their prime (or older) they already have so many young players. Antonin Kinsky, Destiny Udogie, Archie Gray, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Mathys Tel are all 23 or under.

Then, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Brennan Johnson are all 23. Even Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski are both 24. One of the older players, Guglielmo Vicario, is 28 - which for a goalkeeper is still definitely peak years. Without disrespecting a club great - Heung-Min Son is definitely on the other side of his peak.

So, who do Spurs actually have in their peak? The most obvious feels like James Maddison (28), it definitely feels like he is currently as good as he will be. Rodrigo Bentancur (27), and Yves Bissouma (28) also feel like they are as good as they will be - unfortunately, that is not the requisite quality.

At 25, you could perhaps say that Pedro Porro is too. Then, finally, 27-year old Dominic Solanke. So, three players that (with the optimal physical conditions) that are good enough to be starters? Can't really count 26 year old Cristian Romero, given his consistent lack of availability Not ideal. At all. Not sure signing more young players will improve that, with all due respect to Paz.

According to a report from media publication TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the summer transfer window.

They report that the club are not alone in their interest, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, and West Ham United also said to be "circling around" the player.

Spurs one of a number of clubs looking at Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Furthermore, it is stated that the player is set to be part of the "exodus" at the club this summer, with relegation to the Championship a matter of when, not if. The player is keen to get a move back to the Premier League, in order to try and get his way into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in 2026.

In terms of international career, he couldn't have made much of a better start. Back in November, he came on as a second half substitute when England played the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, for his senior debut. Within minutes, he headed home to mark his debut with a goal, and a 5-0 win. In that game, former Spurs striker Harry Kane partnered current Spurs striker Dominic Solanke for the final quarter of an hour.

No doubt there will be some scoffs at this from the readers, and understandably so. The defender has been part of a side that has conceded 65 goals in just 27 games. However, it is still important to consider that it is a team game, and he is playing in a dreadful side. For quite a while, the recently turned 23-year old has been someone with a strong reputation in the game.

Much like the also Spurs linked Liam Delap, Harwood-Bellis was at Manchester City as a youngster (albeit, he is actually an academy player, not signed from Derby at 16 like Delap), and Pep Guardiola's side are said to have a buyback clause for the player, just like they do with the Ipswich Town striker.

Let's see. Admittedly, not the most exciting transfer rumour we have ever aggregated. Can't see this changing the mood of a loss to AZ Alkmaar. Still. There is a good player in there. With Tuchel announcing his first squad as England manager next week, maybe we will see Harwood-Bellis' name along side Djed Spence's in the defence - and perhaps Archie Gray too.

In fact, as recently as October, the Southampton defender played with Gray for the England U21 side, as they beat Ukraine 2-1 to secure qualification for the U21 Euros that take place next summer. He was part of the squad that won the tournament in 2023.